Who Do You Follow

8-12-2009

We live in a world that tells us not only who to follow but what to follow. People chase financial gain, worldly possessions, and the approval of the world. Salesman do whatever it takes (manipulate, issue ultimatums, etc.) to close a deal losing focus of whether it’s the right thing to do, thus leaving a wake of hurt in their path at the goal of worldly success. People have the “grass is greener on the other side” mentality, and lives are being ruined as a result.

We are called to follow the one, Jesus Christ, as all his ways are good and pure. Everything that strays outside of the path Christ laid out for us will lead to failure. Sure, you might have some temporary (temporal) gains along the way, but our eyes should be fixed on the eternal if you want the only true reward that is lasting.

Matthew 8:18-19 says, “When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the others side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

Are you following the ways of Jesus wherever you go and whatever you do? Sure, following the ways of the world, and seeking the approval of the world can give you temporary satisfaction that certainly boosts the almighty EGO. Keeping your eyes and motives fixed on Jesus takes sacrifice and can lead you to a feeling of being an “outcast” to the rest of the world. You may not get the “Attaboy” response your peers get, but at the end of the road we aren’t looking for the approval of man. We want to hear the words, “Job well done my good and faithful servant.”

Application:
1. Read Matthew 8:18-22
2. Who are you following…the world or your maker?